Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1, the new beta version of Android 16 for its Pixel phones. Unlike these updates, which typically introduce new features, Beta 3.1 comes with a massive bug fix package targeting the “fatal” bugs and crashes that have been plaguing beta users for the past month.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 Improves Stability

Android’s quarterly platform releases (QPRs) don’t always offer groundbreaking innovations. Sometimes, they only include minor improvements and bug fixes. However, Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 takes this a step further. While it doesn’t offer flashy interface changes or new tools, it includes one of the longest and most significant bug fixes in recent times, a list that has been welcomed by tech enthusiasts. This update is a lifesaver for testers whose phones are constantly crashing due to beta software.

The Android 16 QPR beta program is available for all Pixel phones newer than the Pixel 6 series. The easiest way to get the update is to enroll your device in Google’s beta program. However, experienced users who want to get these bug fixes right away can also manually install the update by finding the appropriate file for their phone on Google’s official download page.

The most interesting detail in the news is that Google doesn’t list an official file for the Pixel 6a on its download page. This is thought to be related to the company’s recent decision to halt sales of refurbished Pixel 6a models due to concerns about “battery performance and potential fire hazards.”

But the mystery doesn’t end there. A Reddit user named Sheroman discovered the existence of a Beta 3.1 update file for the Pixel 6a by searching Google servers. While the file exists, it’s not officially released by Google. Experts warn that installing next-generation beta software on a potentially problematic device can be risky.